Here's a run-down on what we know about the phone's camera, which is expected to be the best smartphone camera available -- rivaling all but the best point and shoots (other than lacking an optical zoom).

The Pro Camera app is expected to stand in for the more blasé standard Windows Phone Camera app, although automatic settings will be available by default.

The phone will reportedly go on sale at Microsoft Stores on July 22, unlocked, at a price of $602 USD. The Microsoft stores reportedly will carry three varieties -- yellow, white, and black. AT&T, Inc. (T) is expected to be the initial carrier for the (locked) version of the device, which is expected to feature additional colors (like cyan).

MOST people are going to be uploading these pictures to FB or other online sources. The only reason to require 41MP is if you are printing 6 foot wide banners. Its like having a 4k TV and playing back 480p content and saying, "well you should be standing 10 feet away anyway".

Let's face it -- this is a phone, not a full-frame or Medium Format pro-level digital camera (the place where you commonly expect to see resolutions of 41MP).

My D7100 has a resolution of 24 MP with an APS-C sensor and even at that level it gets red marks for noise that you don't see in full-frame. Mind you, the guys doing the reviewing are accustomed to reviewing enthusiast and pro level cameras. But why the huge MP density in a smartphone with a tiny 1/1.2 sensor? IMHO if 90% of folks are doing nothing more than is popping them onto facebook or uploading to dropbox, there really is no need for 41 MP. 16 MP would excellent results for casual snapshots.

If you are going to be doing serious photography that needs this level of resolution, you are gonna use a DSLR or DMF camera for it and nothing less.

"This is about the Internet. Everything on the Internet is encrypted. This is not a BlackBerry-only issue. If they can't deal with the Internet, they should shut it off." -- RIM co-CEO Michael Lazaridis